English Oak Doors Kitchens, doors, rails, stud, tables, chairs, stair cases, garden furniture etc... Find answers and ask questions here!

[denboy09]

Just had two English oak doors made and am unsure how to finish them off. Been told two coats of Polyx oil (matt) by one carpenter then another says to use two coats of Rustins Danish oil. Whats the best option. Just want to darken the oak slightly.

[mikeb74]

Just to check... are they solid oak? I found treatex oil to be really good; pretty high wax content, locks out moisture well and comes in clear matt or different shades - maybe light or medium oak if you want to darken just a bit - I got samples first and ended up getting dark oak (but this is pretty dark). Google here for free samples: "ukoakdoors.co.uk/samples-c-153.html"

[denboy09]

Thanks good URL and will try them. Didnt want to buy a 1L can and find its not what i wanted.

[chris_on_tour2002]

there are many products out there you can use on oak. either of the products that you've named would work.

the important thing is just to check that the product is suitable for use on hardwoods before you buy it. oil is probably the way to go, it would be my choice.

wax is another option although thends to be not so hardwearing. the advantage of oil is that it can simply be reapplied with little prep work when it starts to look tired. wax may need to be stripped back again.

varnishes and paints don't take too well to oak and other hardwoods due to the natural resins that are present in the wood.